Chita,
Siberia – A Little History
by Rick Chapo
In 1999, I decided to live a year in the city of
Chita, Russia. For those not in the know, Chita is a city in Siberia.
History
The City of Chita is a the administrative center
of the Chita Oblast, which is similar to a state. It is located smack
dab in the middle of Siberia and is about 500 miles east of Lake
Baikal.
From the 1930’s through the end of communism,
Chita was a closed city. During this period, foreigners were prohibited
from traveling to Chita as were many Russians. The basis for the
closing of the city was apparently its proximity to China and military
installations.
In some circles, Chita is known as the City of
Exiles because prominent intellectuals starting with the “Decembrist”
were exiled to the city after failed uprisings in 1825. Despite this
informal name, the arrival of the Decembrists was a boon for the city.
The well-educated exiles made an effort to educate the citizens of
Chita and pursue trade. Through these efforts, the City became a major
trading portal in Siberia, particularly since the natural resources of
the area included timber, gold and uranium.
Architecturally, Chita is a clash of styles.
Foremost, Chita is populated with communist concrete buildings. The
apartment buildings are almost universally five stories tall and,
frankly, not the most appealing things you’ve every scene. In contrast
to these soviet signatures, Chita is also populated with individual
homes made primarily out of wood. The homes are the equivalent of those
you would see in any mountainous area and are very comfortable.
Clashing with these two styles are a number of buildings in the center
of Chita.
During World War II, a significant number of
Japanese soldiers were taken by the Russians as prisoners of war.
Through whatever machinations present at that time, they were put to
work in the construction industry. Yep, you guessed it. In the center
of Chita you will find buildings with a definite hint of Japanese
style. The buildings are not overtly Japanese, but they definitely
differ from the other styles present.
Having lived in the city for a year, I can
definitely say it is worth a visit. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes
through the city, so access is very easy.
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Writing Journals -
makers of travel journals, the perfect travel accessories. Read more travel articles and travelogues.
Rick Chapo may be contacted at http://www.nomadjournals.com
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